Police services in line for ‘biggest shake-up in years’

Local policing is facing its biggest shake-up in years as a result of budget cuts and the redrawing of council boundaries

Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin, outlined the new structure - with policing districts increasing from seven to 11 to match the new super councils.

He said: “We are making this change at a time of continuing budget cuts and so we cannot simply replicate our existing District structures taking into account our reducing resources. While leaner and more streamlined the new 11 Districts will focus on local priorities under the leadership of a District Commander.”

The new districts will be supported by three Area co-ordinating tiers - covering Belfast and Northern and Southern parts of Northern Ireland.

These will provide additional resources to help deal with local priorities and emerging threat, risk and harm issues. They will have the ability to muster and move resources to where the need is greatest on a daily basis.

“This structure will allow us to use officers and staff more flexibly and ensure we keep people safe across all our Districts as well as providing local accountability and effective partnership working,” he said.

“I would urge the public to understand that there must be changes in the way that policing services are delivered as we continue to restructure. The impact of the budget cuts will not be felt on District policing alone; it will be right across the full spectrum of policing.”

Superintendent David Moore will be District Commander for Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Area. He will be responsible for all aspects of local policing and setting the area’s policing priorities along with the Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP). Superintendent Moore will take up his new post with effect from February 16.

Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Area is within the Southern Area co-ordinating tier, to be led by Chief Superintendent Pauline Shields - a former chief in Lurgan.

Mr Martin said: “During this time of change I would like to reassure the public that policing remains a 24 hour, seven days a week operation and we will be there at people’s time of need. We can be contacted 24 hours a day on either 101 or for emergencies on 999. All normal policing will carry on. We will patrol in vehicles and on foot, carry out searches, arrest criminals and the public will continue to see police on a daily basis.”